In the past, Sam and I have shared uplifting stories of David’s remarkable journey at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, highlighting his strength and resilience. However, today I wanted to present a raw and unfiltered update on the challenges David is facing recently.
While we typically focus on positive aspects, it is crucial to shed light on the harsh realities that David has been enduring. Over the last few weeks, David has experienced a series of unfortunate events that have tested his physical and emotional well-being.
A few weeks ago, David contracted a serious bacterial infection, causing him to become gravely ill. To combat the infection, he required intravenous antibiotics and a nebulizer to aid his breathing. This challenging period took a toll on his overall health and vitality, presenting him with yet another obstacle on his journey to recovery.
As David gradually began to heal from the infection, the following week he encountered another setback. A sore developed, requiring him to be confined to bed for five days. This time of rest was necessary to allow the sore to heal, ensuring that David could resume sitting in his wheelchair comfortably. These setbacks have added to the physical and emotional strain he endures daily.
There are many days at Stoke Mandeville Hospital that are undeniably horrendous for him. On these difficult days, David grapples with intense anger, frustration, pain, and exhaustion, often leaving him feeling broken and devoid of hope. David’s trademark cheeky smile often gives way to immense frustration when his spasms become too hard to control. These spasms cause his legs and arms to lock out, temporarily restricting his mobility until they subside.
The occurrence of spasms while David is in control of his electric wheelchair poses potential dangers, especially when navigating roads, doorways, and crowded areas. This additional safety concern exacerbates his already challenging circumstances.
The conditions on the ward, characterized by constant noise, make it difficult for David to get adequate rest. The lack of sleep further compounds his physical and emotional pain. Moreover, the demands of daily physiotherapy sessions, while crucial for his rehabilitation, often leave him severely stressed and exhausted due to the cumulative effects of sleep deprivation.
The unfortunate reality is that David is likely to remain in the hospital for the next few months. Behind the scenes, his home is undergoing renovations to accommodate the changes needed to support his daily care. These adjustments are essential for David’s comfort and well-being once he returns home.
David’s journey at Stoke Mandeville has been incredibly challenging, and while it is hard to witness the pain and struggles he endures, Louise, Sam, and myself have remained by his side, determined to lighten his burden in whatever way we can. It is crucial for us to share the unvarnished truth about the challenges he faces daily, dispelling the notion that his journey is always filled with positivity. Let us rally behind him, offering our support and encouragement as he perseveres on his path to recovery.
We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have taken the time to visit David and extend their well wishes. Your presence and the genuine care you have shown mean more to us than words can express. In moments when the weight of the challenges feels overwhelming, your visits and kind words bring a glimmer of light to what can sometimes be a very dark time in David’s life. Your support and encouragement have uplifted not only his spirits but also ours, serving as a reminder that he is surrounded by a community of love and un”wavey”ring support. We truly appreciate each and every one of you for being a source of strength and comfort during this difficult journey.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Images: www.pexels.com Tima Miroschnichenko
